Cirque du Soleil was founded in Quebec in 1984.
Since 1984, more than 18 million people from around the world have seen one of Cirque du Soleil’s productions.
Since 1992, close to 2 million people have attended a Cirque du Soleil show in Asia.
On a typical weekend in 1999, some 50,000 people will see one of Cirque’s several shows being staged simultaneously around the world.
Cirque currently employs more than 1,800 people, including 460 performers, from several countries.
The average age of Cirque du Soleil employees is 32.
Cirque du Soleil’s International Headquarters are in Montreal. In addition, it has four regional headquarters: the Americas, Asia-Pacific, European and Las Vegas headquarters.
Construction of the International Headquarters was completed in late 1996, making it possible for more than 500 permanent Montreal employees to work together. It is there that all of Cirque du Soleil's shows are created and produced. Construction of the Headquarters represented an investment of approximately 40 million dollars.
Cirque du Soleil has produced numerous shows: Cirque du Soleil (1984-1985); La Magie continue (1986); We Reinvent the Circus (1987-1989); Nouvelle Expérience (1990-1991); Fascination (1992); Saltimbanco (1992-2001); Mystère (running since 1993); Alegría (1994-2001); Quidam (1996-2002); "O" (running since October 1998); La Nouba (on stage since December 1998); and finally Dralion (touring since April 1999).
Cirque du Soleil has performed in over 120 cities throughout the world, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin and Vienna.
Since its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has won many prestigious prizes, including Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi and Ace awards, Gémeaux and Félix trophies, and a Rose d'Or de Montreux.
Cirque du Soleil's performers have taken part in and won several awards at various festivals throughout the world, including the Festival international du cirque de Monte-Carlo, the Festival mondial du cirque de demain (France), the Festival international de cirque de Vérone (Italy), the Festival international de cirque de Gênes (Italy), and the Wuhan International Acrobatic Art Festival (China).
In 1999, Cirque du Soleil is staging seven shows on four continents:
Alegría (Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.A.)
Quidam (Europe)
Mystère (Las Vegas, U.S.A.)
"O" (Las Vegas, U.S.A.)
La Nouba (Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, U.S.A.)
Saltimbanco (Asia-Pacific)
Dralion (North-America)
In November 1996, Sylvie Fréchette, Olympic synchronized swimming gold-medallist, joined Cirque du Soleil as a performer and coach for the aquatic show "O".
In May 1997, Cirque du Soleil announced that shooting would begin for a film inspired by its show Alegría. In "Alegria" the film, the magical spellbinding universe of Cirque becomes the backdrop for a tender love story between a street performer (Frac) and the lead singer of a travelling circus (Giulietta). Incorporating actual Alegría acts, the film is directed by Franco Dragone and produced by Stéphane Reichel ("Crash", "Black Robe", "Quest for Fire"). "Alegria" the film was launched in theatres in April 1999.
In May 1999, the Alegría production, which has already dazzled audiences on three continents, found a permanent home at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi. This resort is a property of Mirage Resorts Incorporated, Cirque du Soleil’s partner for its two Las Vegas productions.
In November 1998, shooting began on a first large-format (IMAX) film, which will feature performances by various Cirque du Soleil artists in natural and historic sites around the world. "Journey of Man" will open in movie theatres in late 1999 or early 2000.
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